First Drive: 2013 Aston Martin Vanquish

The DB5 may be the most iconic vehicle in its history, but in a year that brings the debut of the latest 007 adventure, Aston Martin also ushers in a revival of the Vanquish. The sleek head-turner made it’s first splash (literally) in 2002′s Die Another Day (no, seriously — remember the melting ice palace?), buoying it to the upper ranks of movie cars. The new Vanquish evolves from the DBS, with luxurious inspiration from the the exclusive One-77. The lavish attention to detail on the interior (such as hand-stitched leather) is carried overto the mechanics under the hood (or “bonnet”, as Bond would say). Aston Martin’s flagship V12 engine has been tweaked to deliver 565 bhp and 460 lb-ft of torque, resulting in 0-62 mph in 4.1 seconds and topping out at 183 mph. Utilizing an updated Touchtronic 2 transmission that’s shaken, not stirred, the Vanquish is only available as an automatic. The Vanquish is set to conquer these shores next year, estimated at around $300,000. In the meantime, pay homage to 007 in November’s Skyfall, and check out the current Aston Martin lineup at www.astonmartin.com.